Alumni Spotlight: Mallika Chadaga
Mallika Chadaga (she/her)
- Major: PSY BA (Spring 2023)
- Position: Associate Project Manager (APM)
- Employer: Suvoda
What is your work like? What are your duties?
Suvoda is a global clinical trial technology company, with a real-time platform that empowers sponsors and clinical research organizations to make confident decisions and sites and patients to take calm action. We focus on the time-sensitive, mission-critical moments of trials, like randomization, outcomes data collection, and patient payments.
In my role as an APM, I lead a cross-functional project team responsible for the delivery of our clinical trial technology platform. I serve as the primary point of contact for clients, leading meetings, covering project timelines, scope of delivery, and expectations. I assist with communicating between various areas within the organization to manage schedules, track tasks, and deliver systems.
How would you say your psychology degree has helped you with your current job?
It is no secret that the psychology program at the University of Minnesota (UMN) challenges its students to study hard for exams, communicate effectively with colleagues and professors, and stay meticulously organized. More so than one specific class or experience, the skills I gained as I progressed throughout the major have overall elevated my performance in a professional setting. For example, presenting research at a symposium and leading classes as a Research Methods teaching assistant honed my skills to present to clients during meetings or lead discussions with our delivery teams.
Furthermore, numerous classes in the program, particularly Research Methods and Counseling, challenged me to grow my writing capabilities, aiding in my ability to communicate effectively at my job daily. The organizational skills gained by staying on top of writing my psychology Honors thesis have assisted in my ability to meet tight deadlines and approach my work with a heightened attention to detail.
How did you find your current position?
I found my current position through networking with other young professionals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where I currently live! After getting to know some colleagues here, I was made aware of this opportunity, encouraged to apply, and provided a referral that helped me begin a path into the company.
What advice do you have for our current psych students and recent grads?
Some people look down on psychology degrees, and I think they couldn’t be more wrong! Take it from someone who has worked in three vastly different industries since graduating: the skills and knowledge that you gain through this degree open doors to endless career prospects! Embrace the variety that the UMN psychology program offers, the vast networking opportunities in the Twin Cities, and remain open to novel career options!
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